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There’s nothing like a parade – Arroyo Vista Elementary School Style.
The campus playground was full of miniature floats pulled by 119 5th graders, eager to show their entries in the 34th annual Tournament of States Parade.
Circling the playground one after another, students waved to the crowd, earning applause from appreciative parents, friends and distinguished guests for their work. The City Council, Board of Education, school district and city officials were all on hand for the morning spectacle.
In preparation, students spent the past three months researching a selected state and learning about its geography, climate, economy, history and places of interest while appreciating and respecting the diversity of the people and places in the United States.
Each entry included important features – like a state flower or bird – and every one was covered with all natural materials in keeping with the Pasadena annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
Enhancing the experience, members of the Royal court were on hand to view the floats in 5th grade classrooms before taking in the spectacle from front row seats on the playground. The 2019 Tournament of Roses Royal Court featured Rose Queen Louise Siskel, and Rose Princesses Lauren Baydaline, Ashley Hackett, Rucha Kadam, Sherry Ma, Micaela McElrath and Helen Rossi.
In anticipation to the parade, teachers and special guests from the community interviewed the 5th graders two hours prior to the start in their classrooms, seeking facts about a state – from its population, to its capital.
Kicking off the parade, fifth graders thanked their parents for guiding them through the project. “We want to thank them for helping us glue and create and build, and for helping us to persevere in order to complete this amazing project. Mom and Dad, thanks for all you do everyday to help us learn grow and succeed.”
